Kansas State University

27th cohort of McNair Scholars selected

Submitted by Maggie R. Borders

The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program selected the 27th cohort of scholars through a competitive application process, including an interview. Scholars will soon begin work to find research mentors and plan summer research internships.

Since 1995, Kansas State University's TRIO McNair Scholars Program has promoted the scholarly development of academically talented income-limited, first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education. The goal of the program is to increase the number of people from these groups holding graduate degrees and serving in the ranks of faculty and researchers.

The 27th cohort of McNair Scholars includes the following students:

• William Crankshaw, sophomore in social work. 
• Estefani Fernández, junior in psychology. 
• Brandon Green, sophomore in animal sciences and industry. 
• Jaime Knight, junior in agronomy. 
• Hieu Nguyen, senior in biology. 
• Desiree Pitts, junior in human development and family science.
• Julia Rivera, senior in feed science and management.
• Bailey Roberts, junior in animal sciences and industry. 
• Julia Salinas, junior in animal sciences and industry. 
• Lexe West, sophomore in psychology. 
• Agel Yor, junior in apparel and textiles.

In preparation for graduate school, scholars will complete a research internship under a faculty mentor, write an article-length project and abstract, present their research, and participate in weekly seminars to prepare graduate applications and explore topics in professionalism. For most scholars, this is a two-year commitment.

The McNair Scholars Program will begin recruiting new participants next summer. Eligible students with an interest in graduate study are encouraged to apply by early September. Faculty and staff who know of good candidates should refer them to the program and/or contact the McNair office. For more information, see the program website. The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO Program administrated by the Department of Education and authorized by Congress.